Monday, June 13, 2016

A Modular Air Handler: Configuring to Match Your Exact Needs

Modularity and Flexibility

Selecting an
air-handling unit (AHU) to meet the precise needs of a new construction or
retrofit project can be difficult. It is important to choose an air-handling
solution that meets requirements. In many cases, the engineer or contractor is
forced by availability or other considerations to choose one that is oversized.
While this may seem acceptable, on closer inspection, this is a
less-than-efficient solution. The AHU either leads to energy consumption that
is too high, or fails to perform adequately.

Revolution TFX
is a concept in AHU design that is based on modularity. It gives engineers
the ability to configure an air-distribution solution that matches
the needs of the building and its occupants. The Revolution TFX system includes
a wide variety of fans, coils, filters, and other options. In addition, many
cabinet options and accessories are offered.

With an
airflow range of up to 30,000 cubic feet per minute (CFM), Revolution TFX is
highly suitable for healthcare, education, government and commercial applications.
Jobs can be new construction or retrofit.

Selecting the Correct Fan for Variable
Air Volume

With a number
of fan options, Revolution TFX allows engineers to choose the most efficient fan
for delivery of design and minimum CFM needs. Both are important elements in
the overall delivery of air. Variable speed drives, discharge dampers, inlet
vanes, etc., are also essential. Typically, the most efficiency is gained by
choosing the biggest fan that will also deliver the necessary “turn down” in
overall system modulation. Revolution TFX comes with a number of fan options to
meet the CFM requirements of the space or spaces in question. The fan and fan
motor can be housed in the fan segment of an AHU. This can be done for supply,
return and/or exhaust applications.

While a
single fan is adequate for the required system design, systems can be
configured with dual fans. In this event, the two fans can use the 50/50
principle, in which they operate together and share the load. This allows you
to get more airflow in a smaller cabinet size. A dual-fan configuration can
also use a 100/100 principle, wherein a single fan operates and the second fan
exists as a backup. If the operational fan fails, this configuration ensures
full capacity/airflow until repairs can be made. This is often called for in
the case of critical applications such as with some healthcare facilities.

Noise Reduction, Flexibility and
Efficiency

According to
AMCA guidelines, DWDI fans require straight ducting runs and other
considerations, which can increase the overall footprint and impose other
design constraints. By using an SWSI Plenum solution, architects and engineers
are given greater design flexibility. SWSI Plenum fans allow multiple duct
takeoffs from the unit. The openings can be tailored to almost any duct
configuration. This means units can be installed in smaller mechanical rooms.

Selecting
the correct coil is key to providing the best range of heating and cooling to
meet the specific needs of the application. The Revolution TFX system allows for
coil options that provide optimum balance without incurring the additional
expense of high air-pressure drops. The system can be configured with heating
coils that use either hot ware or steam. Cooling coils are available for
chilled water, chilled brine, and refrigerant.

Staggered
coil options are available for Revolution TFX units. This configuration can
increase overall coil face area and allow for greater CFM without increasing
cabinet size. This means a reduced footprint while maintaining, or even
increasing, overall efficiency. Revolution TFX can include heating coil options
that are either gas-fired or electric. In the latter case, a remote control
panel can be chosen. Electric heaters are offered in staged or modulating heat
to better match project requirements.

The
available Multizone (MZ) section is flexible. The MZ can be utilized to provide
a multizone installation with multiple zone dampers or ordered without dampers
to serve a dual-duct system.

Significant Energy Savings through
Recovery

Revolution TFX
offers energy recovery wheels that can improve overall system performance by
preconditioning the outdoor air supply using adjacent exhaust and outside air
streams to transfer heat and humidity. HVAC efficiency can be improved by up to
40%, and dehumidification capacity improved up to 75%. This provides a
significant energy-saving advantage as well as a meaningful contribution to the
overall energy-efficiency of the building as a whole. The energy recovery
wheels used in Revolution TFX systems are available for horizontal or vertical
mounting, depending on the overall system design.

Air Filters, Economizers and Mixing
Boxes

Revolution TFX
units can be configured to accommodate various types of filters, depending on
the application. These include angled, flat, rigid, and bag filters. IT can be
configured with filters -- ranging from MERV 1 to 14 -- depending on project
requirements. The system also offers a range of economizers and mixing boxes,
depending on the specific needs of the application. Because different buildings
have different occupancy and equipment schedules, and therefore different
requirements when it comes to economizers and mixing boxes, the Revolution TFX
system will accommodate a complete range of options.

Building
pressurization is a key element in building operation that affects overall
comfort, air quality and energy efficiency. For this reason, Revolution TFX units
are configurable to offer different solutions. For example, full-return
economizers, dedicated exhaust economizers, dampers, inlet plenums, etc., to
better control building pressure.

One System, Multiple Options

The
Revolution TFX system offers a multitude of configuration options to architects,
engineers and contractors. A solution can be configured that meets all of the required
technical standards, plus the degree of occupant comfort, quality, and
efficiency that you expect from a Titus product.